US Treasury Secretary warns of strong action against Russia, urges EU unity on Ukraine

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday said Washington is prepared to take “strong measures” against Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine, stressing that coordinated action with European partners will be crucial for success.

“The United States and the European Union are aligned on the importance of ending the war in Ukraine,” Bessent said after meeting EU Commission Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan. “Business as usual has not worked. We are willing to take strong measures against Russia, but our European partners must fully join us in this to be successful.”

He added that all options for negotiations remain on the table as part of the Trump’s administration’s broader strategy to support peace talks. “The war must cease now,” Bessent said, underlining that Washington is pushing both sanctions pressure and diplomatic channels.

The conflict began in February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine after years of simmering tensions and Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. 

Now in its third year, the war has settled into a grinding front-line stalemate, particularly in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, even as Russia has launched intensified strikes on Ukrainian cities. Ukraine, meanwhile, continues to push for Western support, including advanced weapons, financial aid, and security guarantees.